However, only 38% of the services are operational.
This is due to bus operating companies Piotrans and Ditsamaiso being unable to recruit sufficient drivers to resume full services.
Piotrans General Manager of Strategy and Transformation, Dumisani Mntambo said the services will be fully operational by mid-April as the companies are still busy with the recruitment and training process.
“We will try increase the number of drivers weekly which will enable us to resume services in other routes.” said Mntambo.
“We’re currently operating with 65 bus drivers and in the process of recruiting approximately 75 more. The routes that are operational were chosen because of the high volume of commuters,” he added.
Asked about the safety of passengers, Mntambo said they have engaged with the City of Joburg who have a plan to ensure the safety of commuters.
“The plan might not be visible because buses are not escorted by SAPS or JMPD vans but a safety plan is underway.”
Former commuter, Nyiko Mabasa expressed his dissatisfaction at the bus service: “It’s not safe or reliable. I’ve seen what happened previously when these buses were introduced, people were injured and died. What happens when the fired bus drivers demonstrate their disgruntledness on commuters? Safety is not guaranteed.”
Operational routes include T1, T3, C1, C4, C5, F1, F2, F9.
ReaVaya updated commuters on social networks about the commencement of services.
